MANAMA, Bahrain — The Republic of Korea Navy Ship Kang Gam Chan (DDH 979), operating with Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 conducted combined counter-piracy Exercise Iron Trident alongside the Spanish Navy Ship Reina Sofia (F84), operating under CTF 465 of the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, March 10.

This exercise marks the 16th anniversary of the continuous deployment of the Cheonghae Unit and is a significant step in enhancing multinational naval collaboration to secure vital maritime routes in the CMF area of responsibility.

The Gulf of Aden serves as a crucial maritime link between Europe, the Middle East and Asia and is a key choke point for global maritime trade. This makes it vulnerable to a range of maritime threats, including piracy and armed robbery, necessitating robust threat mitigation to ensure safe navigation of vessels in the region. For over a decade, the Republic of Korea Navy has contributed to this effort by supporting CMF counter-piracy operations. This exercise helps identify common objectives between CTF 151 and CTF 465 for countering piracy in the area.

The exercise featured Division Tactic (DIVTAC) maneuvers and joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, both of which are essential in counter-piracy missions. Korean Navy Lieutenant Commander Kang Young-Jin, VBSS Team Leader of the Korean Ship said the exercise was observed to be highly remarkable.

“The exercise provided an invaluable opportunity to solidify our cooperative system with multinational navies in real-world conditions,” said Young-Jin. “Collaborating with the Spanish Navy within the counter-piracy framework reaffirmed our collective resolve for stable seas.”

As a key member of CTF 151, the Republic of Korea Navy has been playing a significant role in CTF 151 operations through dedicated assets and personnel. The Spanish Navy, as part of EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA, plays a vital role in counter-piracy operations.

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the EUNAVFOR, and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.